Judkins was arrested Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., per information from the Broward County Sheriff. This news comes shortly before the start of Cleveland’s training camp. Judkins is among the 30 second-round picks from this year’s draft who have yet to sign their rookie contracts.
Through a spokesman, the Browns said in a statement they are “aware and gathering information” about this situation (h/t Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal). It is unclear at this point if Judkins remains in custody. No reports have indicated he has been released, though.
Judkins spent his first two college campaigns at Ole Miss. That span included a freshman season in which he racked up 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. His sophomore campaign saw a reduction in efficiency but another 17 total scores. Judkins transferred to Ohio State for the 2024 season. While operating as a key member of the Buckeyes’ backfield tandem, the 21-year-old averaged 5.5 yards per carry and amassed 1,221 scrimmage yards en route to the team’s national championship.
Last year, Browns second-rounder Mike Hall was arrested on a domestic violence charge. The defensive tackle missed the first four games of the campaign before a one-game suspension was ultimately handed down. Free agent linebacker Devin Bush could likewise face legal and/or league consequences after he was charged with simple assault and harassment stemming from an alleged incident involving his girlfriend this spring.
The NFL routinely waits for the legal process to play out before launching an investigation and (potentially) handing down a fine or suspension under the personal conduct policy, particularly in domestic violence cases. Even though Judkins is not yet under contract, he is still subject to the policy and thus any discipline that winds up being deemed necessary, depending on how his situation unfolds.
